Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip at the end of May for about 3.5 weeks to Southeast Asia and/or Indonesia. Neither of us have ever visited that side of the world so we would love any suggestions about where to visit and how long is enough time in each city/country. We don’t expect to have the opportunity to do this kind of trip again (at least for many, many years lol) so we would love to know where you’ve gone and loved, and what areas/countries might be worth passing on. I also understand that the weather at that time of year will have a big impact on some locations, so advice in that regard would be greatly appreciated too.
We’re both pretty high-energy and excited to see and do as much as possible (with a few beach days squeezed in, too), but want to make sure we don’t end up selling ourselves short by trying to do too much. Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions or tips!

Stick with Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. With only 3 weeks maybe only a Thai beach, Chang Mai, and across to Ankor Wat in Cambodia. Lots to see without spreading it too thin

Singapore as a hub and take budget airlines to all your destinations

Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam

Can I fit in ur suitcase

I would do Northern Vietnam for a week and 2 weeks in Thailand - Chiang Mai and pick one island in the south. You could also try doing another region but they are really spaced out and I enjoyed taking my time throughout the countries. Personally I would not pick more than 3 countries, and would recommend sticking to two. But depends on your style of traveling!

same thoughts here. i did 5 wks in thailand (bangkok and around, and just northern thailand)and cambodia- including angkor wat (about 3 days for AW), and thought that was about right.
if i were to return, and include south for 3.5 wks, i would pick 1wk in northern thailand, 1 wk in south thailand, and may be one more place- either vietnam or cambodia.
have fun planning!

Check out Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in Laos.

Lorna Luang Prabang is wonderful.

Vietnam is beautiful and the people are wonderful.

Julie I really enjoyed the energy in Ho chi Minh. After 9pm the stalls shut and are replaced by tents, BBQ street food and beer. You only need a couple of days, very enjoyable. Beer corner in Hanoi was also fun. Definitely worth stopping in along the way...

Malaysia and Singapore for sure

Follow my daughter … on IG…she lived in Vietnam for 4 years and travelled extensively! She has blogs as well.

https://www.elephantconservationcenter.com/
Highly suggest if you can. Laos is absolutely beautiful. The people are so kind and humble. Food was amazing.
ELEPHANTCONSERVATIONCENTER.COM
Home - Elephant Conservation Center

One of our favourite trips to SE Asia was touring around Myanmar and Cambodia.

Ankor wat is a must see in that part of the world. Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Rai (the one adjacent to the nature reserve). If you have the heart for it, The Killing Fields and S21 prison in Phnom Penh. In Vietnam the War Museum in HCM City and the Chi Chi tunnels. The Port city of Hoi An. In Thailand get out of Puhket fast and go to Sukothai and Ayutthaya for the temple ruins and the simplicity of the countryside. Book a bicycle tour in each.

Sorry I got that wrong, the elephant sanctuary is near Chiang Mai not Chiang Rai.

I would make Chiang Mai my hub. There is so much to do in the north AND the south of Thailand. I’d go to Laos too and maybe Angkor Wat. So much!

I loved Bali, lots to do, rice fields, hiking, great coffee, amazing food and beaches and if you do go visit the Gili T island.

Ooh! I’d love to help you. Did three months in south east Asia on a budget. I’d be happy to video chat with you sometime. Too much to type. Have a look at Air Asia to get around. Super cheap fares, so much so we cancelled a train ticket because flying was faster. Vietnam (Hoi An) and Thailand (krabi not Phucket) for sure. We stayed in a tree house and a floating hotel in Thailand, I can give you those details. Also I second the Chiang mai thought. Good home base. You’ll want to go to the elephant nature preserve. Do the overnight option. Let’s chat!

Tamara I second the hoi an recommendation . Hanoi for me is a must aswell. Tons of amazing day trips and rich history

Tamara spent 4 months in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. We would never fly Air Asia again and don't recommend it for anyone over 5'4". Yes it was cheap. Make sure you don't go over the weight limit by even half an ounce...you will pay more than the price of your flight to get your bags on board. And they broke the wheel off of my very expensive luggage. Not a good experience.

Kathleen I’m sorry to hear that. We took 30 flights with them in 2016. We didn’t love one overnight flight but other than that it was good value. For reference my husband is 6’2” and I’m 5’6. We packed a scale for our luggage.

I have spent a lot of time in Asia, touring around.
My fave places:
Bali
Tokyo
Shanghai
Singapore
Kuala Lumpur
Hokkaido
trip advisor is a great resource
Great food adventures everywhere. Stay safe and travel light. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Bali for 7 days, Singapore for 4-5 days, Vietnam for roughly 7-8 days (3-4 days each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), 5 days in Thailand!

Indonesia 30 day visa on arrival. Vietnam need visa before arrival - there are other ways. The remaining countries need only passport. Do avoid any country during election time ( May Philippines) . Bali has nice " suburbs" Seminyak. Jakarta you can pass. Singapore is ultra expensive. Tokyo has much to offer. I enjoyed Hanoi. Hong Kong ( depends on the political and covid) has interesting places.

Be very careful you do not over stretch yourselves ... you can eat up a lot of time just traveling. Chose one country and perhaps a layover city and concentrate on those two locations

I did some SE counties prior to pandemic. One month Thailand in boxing camp (in my 70’s). On to Laos IMHO not worth the entry hassle. Hard to get a city tour or much else in rundown capital. Luang Prabang very touristy and overpriced elephant tours. Vietnam was highlight. Friendly people. Lots to see with good food and cheap prices. I coulda stayed a month.

Vietnam is much less touristy than Thailand. More friendly and welcoming.

Kathryn agreed

3.5 week is a very short time.... I don't know if the land borders are opened, so I would suggest to keep it simple to one country. My choices would probably for either Thailand or Cambodia. Maybe limit the trip to 3-4 areas... Thailand could be something like 7 days center (Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya), 7 days North (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and one week on an island... Or Cambodia: 5 days Phnom Penh, 5-6 days Kampot and Kep, 5-6 days around Battambang and 5-6 days for Siem Reap. In both of those country, always consider that travel between 2 cities will take a good part of your day... There are a lot of cheap air possibilities in Thailand to go from Bangkok to North and from the north to the Islands and back to Bangkok... In Cambodia, every transport should be done by bus or car...

I second the advice from Eric - there is so much to see in Thailand. If you want to try to also get to Cambodia, take some time from the time in Bangkok and zip into Cambodia for a few days.

Southeast Asia is very big for 3.5 weeks since there is a lot to do in one place.
If I had to narrow it down, I’d go to Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and Singapore.
*Japan deserves its own 3.5 weeks to see everything.
I’d highly highly recommend going to Singapore since you mentioned you may not have this opportunity to travel after this trip. Singapore is known for their hawker food stalls. There’s a doc on Netflix that explains it all but basically the hawker culture is “dying” and becoming “extinct”. So def try to check it out while you still can!!!

Fionna Singapore after Japan

I lived in india for the first 30 years of my life. Will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

I wish to recommend Myanmar, country is beautiful, people are nice, simple, lots of nice places to visit there but currently the country is not a good place to visit

Win are you from Myanmar? I’ve been looking for somewhere I can buy laphet thoke in Toronto. If you know a place please let me know!

Lauren ok, will let you know. How did you know about that, have you been to Myanmar?

Win hi, thank you, I went to Myanmar a few years ago and I would love to find laphet thoke here in Toronto. I was told there was a restaurant in the west part of Toronto a few years ago but it closed and now I don’t know of any other Burmese restaurants. If you know one please let me know

Lauren Bayview village has one, I heard it. I have not been there yet. I love it too. Sometimes I make it at home , I wish to share with you.
. I am from Yangon.

Hoi An for sure and there are all types of accommodation. Thailand is a must also and so easy to get around and most people speak English. We have travelled thru, Thailand,Cambodia,Vietnam and Bali on about 7 trips. Loved it all. We always use Booking.com for accommodation. It is very reliable and offers every level of accommodation. Their many backpacker websites also. Good luck. Have fun.
Booking.com
BOOKING.COM: The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals

Bali, and India are both fabulous.

Spend some time in Bali in the mountains and also by the Indian Ocean. We stayed at Kupa Kupa Barong, loved it and at Ayana resort. Check out Rock Bar Bali. Heaven on earth...the sunsets over the Indian Ocean are so beautiful!

Bob

Japan

I’ve stayed in Vietnam ( HCM), Indonesia ( JKT) and traveled to most parts in that area .. drop me a DM if you want to discuss details

Chk out Intrepid or gadventures tours.

Bailey if you’re backpacking and young I would do either Thailand or Vietnam for the full 3 weeks. I’ve done both and Vietnam was my favourite. Started south in Ho Chi Minh, went north to Nha Trang then Hoi Anne (custom clothes, shoes, suits made for cheap and very romantic). Next Da Nang, which I could live in easily. Flew from there to Hanoi. Did a private island for a few days in Ha Long Bay (swam with non-stinging jellyfish and bioluminescent plankton at night). Went North to Sapa and hiked through rice fields. Amazing country, easy to travel around, cheap $1 beer and pho. Found my fave food ever (bun cha). Big backpacker and party scene if you want it. But beautiful beaches, unique culture, cool art. Honesty can’t wait to go back!

We did this, it was very good. Everything done for you
https://www.gadventures.com/.../indochina.../4664/itinerary/
GADVENTURES.COM
Itinerary - Indochina Encompassed in Thailand, Asia - G Adventures

Cool experiences can't get anywhere else
Vietnam: Cruise tour in Ha Long Bay
Thailand: eat all the food and Railay Beach
Myanmar: Hot air balloon in Bagan
Philippines: 4 day remote sailing expedition - one of the coolest things i did - TAO
Indonesia: Sumatra EcoTravel - 2 day jungle hike seeing so many orangutans and one held my hand

Follow wander.Witt.us on IG. They’re in SE Asia right now

3.5 weeks is enough for couple countries if you plan to really get to know them. My suggestion- for first se Asia trip consider thailand and Vietnam with return back through Japan even if only to do Narita free day tour that AirPort offers . Then you will be back in No time - have been three times to that part of the World and unfortunately had to cancel in March 2020 fourth time.

My husband and I did a similar trip (pre parenthood) and I’m so glad we did it because it would be very difficult now with a young child. We started and ended in Bangkok. We wanted to get tailor made suits (I ended up getting my wedding dress tailor-made as well), so starting there allowed us to get measured right away and then pick up the clothes on the way back. From Bangkok, I think we went to Ho Chi Minh and stayed one night with a friend and then caught a short flight to a lovely and peaceful island called Phu Quoc. We spent a few days there and then back to Ho Chi Minh, where we got a flight to Jakarta so that we could then catch a connection to Pankgalan bun airport in Borneo and go on an incredible adventure in Tanjung Puting National Park. This was the highlight! For a few nights, we had our own boat and crew who took us through the park and on hikes where we go to hang out with orangutans. It was so amazing. You live on the boat and travel though the park and see animals in a way I have never experienced in my life. Contact
Yomie Kamale if you want to look into it. He arranged my trip.
After that, we flew to Bali and went to Ubud, which was fun but very touristy and paled in comparison to the experience in Borneo. I think I would have enjoyed Bali more if we picked a location that didn’t feel overrun by tourists. But Bali is really beautiful, the food is amazing, and the people are wonderful; I just needed to be off the beaten path and I didn’t realize how busy Ubud would be. From there, I think we flew back to Bankgkok and then a short connecting flight to Koh Chang island. It’s a beach destination, which was pretty and relaxing and had great food. We went back to Bangkok, picked up our clothes (I needed an extra alteration on my dress, so it was good that we had two nights before our return flight), and then back to TO. I think this was a three week trip, and I’m sure some people would suggest we packed too many locations in but I don’t recall feeling rushed or regretting moving from place to place. The flights in between locations were generally short and I knew I wouldn’t be coming back for a very long time, so I wanted a chance to experience different places.
That was fun to write about
Happy travels!

Ann I'm taking notes for future, thanks for the info.

We were in Laos and Cambodia and would go back in a heart beat. Lots of history and nature

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments!! Has anybody travelled there in June/during the rainy season? I’m just wondering how much of an impact it’ll have on the trip and wondering if the back half would be better spent in Bali?

Bailey have you looked at flight options there and return? I know in our case we went to Dubai 2 nights (15 hours direct) then to Bali 10 days (8 hours direct) then to Hong Kong (2 nights) 2-3 hours then direct home to Toronto. Depending how long you going the flight availability and times can sometimes help you determine your path. We went end September and weather was perfect. Not sure about July? If you need any details/advice on Bali, let me know. It's a treasure on earth!

I highly recommend going to Philippines and hopping on a 5 day island tour with Tao Expeditions. I lived in Asia for 6 years and this is still one of my top adventures.

Tyne agree if it works Philippines is a hidden gem

You should be mostly fine in June, honestly. I think you need to figure out how much beach time, jungle time, and city/town/temple time you want and let that guide you. I loved being on the islands of Thailand and Indonesia and I do think Bali is worth the trouble of getting there. I would do Bangkok-koh phi phi-koh lanta - Penang- Kuala Lumpur - Singapore- Bali - Gili Islands - Jakarta and fly from there or back to Bangkok. BUT if you aren't a beach person, scrap this and go get to the Mekong and let it be about the people and temples of Laos, Cambodia and northern Thailand,

Amanda oh yes! Mekong river cruise from Thailand to Loas or other way round was amazing!!

Vietnam and Cambodia were such a treat, particularly Cambodia! I did not enjoy Thailand, overcrowded, and so much tourist scams. Never been to Indonesia to comment on it

https://www.ayana.com/bali/ayana-resort-and-spa/
AYANA.COM
Luxury Beach Resort in Bali | AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI

Def Laos

Thailand #1 cambodia #2 Indonesia #3

This is a late post but would love to hear about your experience traveling to SE Asia once you’re back! I’m planning to go in fall